Laser Induced Sealing of Concentrically Layered Materials

ABSTRACT

A connection, and methods of making an using such a connection, the connection comprising a first layer; a second layer concentrically disposed about the first layer; and a laser-induced seal between portions of the first and second layers; wherein the laser-induced seal provides a fluid-tight engagement between the first and second layers. As to particular embodiments of the connection, the first layer can be incorporated into a first conduit and the second layer can be incorporated into a second conduit.

This United States Non-Provisional Patent Application claims the benefitof U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/267,205, filed Dec. 14,2015, hereby incorporated by reference herein.

I. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can be toprovide a connection, and methods of making an using such a connection,the connection comprising a first layer; a second layer concentricallydisposed about the first layer; and a laser-induced seal betweenportions of the first and second layers; wherein the laser-induced sealprovides a fluid-tight engagement between the first and second layers.

Another broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can beto provide a connection, as described above, wherein the first layer isincorporated into a first conduit and the second layer is incorporatedinto a second conduit.

Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughoutother areas of the specification, drawings, and claims.

II. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a connectionhaving a laser-induced seal.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the connection shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the connection shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a top view of the connection shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the connection shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 is a first end view of the connection shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 7 is a second end view of the connection shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view 8-8 of the connection shown in FIG. 7 ,whereby a laser-induced seal of the connection can comprise or can beapparent (or evident) as a recess which inwardly extends from a secondconduit external surface.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of the connection shown in FIG.8 .

FIG. 10 is a front view of a particular embodiment of a connectionhaving a laser-induced seal, whereby a laser-induced seal of theconnection can comprise or can be apparent (or evident) as a protrusionwhich outwardly extends from a second conduit external surface.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion of the connection shown in FIG.10 .

FIG. 12 is a front view of a particular embodiment of a connectionhaving a laser-induced seal, whereby a laser-induced seal of theconnection can comprise or can be apparent (or evident) as a coloredindicium on a second conduit external surface.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a portion of the connection shown in FIG.12 .

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a method of making a laser-induced sealbetween first and second layers by rotating concentrically disposedfirst and second conduits about a rotation axis while a fixed laser beamis incident upon portions of the first and second conduits which are tobe sealed by the laser-induced seal.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of the method of making the laser-inducedseal between first and second layers shown in FIG. 14 .

FIG. 16 is an illustration of the method of making the laser-inducedseal between first and second layers shown in FIG. 14 .

FIG. 17 is an illustration of the method of making the laser-inducedseal between first and second layers shown in FIG. 14 .

FIG. 18 is an illustration of the method of making the laser-inducedseal between first and second layers shown in FIG. 14 .

FIG. 19 is an illustration of the method of making the laser-inducedseal between first and second layers shown in FIG. 14 .

FIG. 20 is an illustration of a method of making a laser-induced sealbetween first and second layers by rotating a rotatable laser beam abouta rotation axis and about concentrically disposed first and secondconduits which are fixedly positioned about the rotation axis such thatthe rotating laser beam is incident upon portions of the first andsecond conduits which are to be sealed by the laser-induced seal.

FIG. 21 is an illustration of the method of making the laser-inducedseal between first and second layers shown in FIG. 20 .

FIG. 22 is an illustration of the method of making the laser-inducedseal between first and second layers shown in FIG. 20 .

FIG. 23 is an illustration of the method of making the laser-inducedseal between first and second layers shown in FIG. 20 .

FIG. 24 is an illustration of the method of making the laser-inducedseal between first and second layers shown in FIG. 20 .

FIG. 25 is an illustration of a method of making a laser-induced sealbetween first and second layers by rotating a rotatable laser beam abouta rotation axis, whereby the laser beam is set at an appropriate angleto reflect off of a mirrored surface which facilitates focusing of thelaser beam on concentrically disposed first and second conduits whichare fixedly positioned about the rotation axis such that the focusedlaser beam is incident upon portions of the first and second conduitswhich are to be sealed by the laser-induced seal.

FIG. 26 is an illustration of the method of making the laser-inducedseal between first and second layers shown in FIG. 25 .

FIG. 27 is an illustration of the method of making the laser-inducedseal between first and second layers shown in FIG. 25 .

FIG. 28 is an illustration of the method of making the laser-inducedseal between first and second layers shown in FIG. 25 .

III. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Now referring primarily to FIG. 1 through FIG. 7 , which illustrate aparticular embodiment of a connection (1) including a first layer (2), asecond layer (3) concentrically disposed about the first layer (2), anda laser-induced seal (4) between portions of the first and second layers(2)(3), whereby the laser-induced seal (4) provides a fluid-tightengagement between the first and second layers (2)(3).

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “seal” meanssomething that secures.

The first and second layers (2)(3) can each be formed from correspondingfirst and second materials (5)(6), whereby the first and secondmaterials (5)(6) can be any of a numerous and wide variety of materialswhich upon exposure to a laser (7), can generate the laser-induced seal(4) between portions of the first and second layers (2)(3). Asnon-limiting examples, the first or second material (5)(6) can be athermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polypropylene (PP), polypropylene (PP)derivatives, polyethylene (PE), polyethylene (PE) derivatives,polyolefin elastomer (POE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or the like,or combinations thereof.

As to particular embodiments, the first and second materials (5)(6) canbe similar materials or the same material. As illustrative examples, thefirst and second materials (5)(6) can both be polypropylene (PP),polyethylene (PE), or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).

As to other particular embodiments, the first and second materials(5)(6) can be dissimilar materials or different materials. Asillustrative examples, the first and second materials (5)(6) can be:polyolefin elastomer (POE) and polypropylene (PP), respectively;polyolefin elastomer (POE) and polyethylene (PE), respectively;thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and polypropylene (PP), respectively; orthermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and polyethylene (PE), respectively.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 1 through FIG. 13 , the second layer (3)is concentrically disposed about the first layer (2) such that a portionof a first layer external surface (8) is adjacent to, directly adjacentto, or in contact with a portion of a second layer internal surface (9).Accordingly, upon exposure to a laser (7), the laser-induced seal (4)can be generated between at least the first layer external surface (8)and the second layer internal surface (9).

As to particular embodiments, the first and second layers (2)(3) caneach be incorporated into corresponding first and second conduits(10)(11). Each of the conduits (10)(11) includes opposing conduitexternal and internal surfaces (12)(13)(14)(15), whereby each conduitinternal surface (14)(15) defines a conduit passageway (16)(17) throughwhich fluid can flow.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “conduit” means atubular member through which something can pass.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “fluid” meansflowable matter, which can include: a gas, a liquid, or the like, orcombinations thereof.

The conduit external and internal surfaces (12)(13)(14)(15) can have anyof a numerous and wide variety of configurations, including any of anumerous and wide variety of cross sections, depending upon theapplication. As non-limiting examples, the cross section of the conduitexternal or internal surface (12)(13)(14)(15) can be generally circular,elliptical, square, rectangular, polygonal, a freeform shape, or thelike, or combinations thereof.

A conduit wall (18) disposes between the conduit external and internalsurfaces (12)(13)(14)(15), whereby the conduit wall (18) can have any ofa numerous and wide variety of conduit wall thicknesses (19). As anon-limiting example, the conduit wall thickness (19) can be in a rangeof between about 0.05 millimeters (about 0.002 inches) to about 13millimeters (about 0.5 inches), although the conduit wall thickness (19)can be lesser or greater depending upon the application.

The conduit internal surface (14)(15) can define a conduit passageway(16)(17) having any of a numerous and wide variety of conduit passagewaydiameters (20). As a non-limiting example, the conduit passagewaydiameter (20) can be in a range of between about 0.2 millimeters (about0.0073 inches) to about 100 millimeters (about 4 inches), although theconduit passageway diameter (20) can be lesser or greater depending uponthe application.

Again referring primarily to FIG. 1 through FIG. 13 , the connection (1)further includes a laser-induced seal (4) between portions of the firstand second layers (2)(3), whereby the laser-induced seal (4) provides afluid-tight engagement between the first and second layers (2)(3).Consequently, when the portions of the first and second layers (2)(3)are connected via the laser-induced seal (4) and thus, are influid-tight engagement with one another, fluid is precluded fromtraveling across the portions of the first and second layers (2)(3)proximate the laser-induced seal (4).

As to particular embodiments whereby the first and second layers (2)(3)are incorporated into corresponding first and second conduits (10)(11),when the first and second conduits (10)(11) are connected via thelaser-induced seal (4) and thus, are in fluid-tight engagement with oneanother, the first and second conduit passageways (16)(17) together forma fluid flow path (21) through which fluid can flow without egressingfrom the passageways (16)(17), and particularly without egressing fromthe portions of the passageways (16)(17) proximate the laser-inducedseal (4).

The laser-induced seal (4) can be generated by any of a numerous andwide variety of lasers (7), whereby a laser (7) is a device thatproduces a laser beam (22) which can generate a laser weld, such as alaser-induced seal (4).

To generate the laser-induced seal (4), the laser beam (22) can befocused in any of a numerous and wide variety of locations, typicallybut not necessarily between a second layer external surface (23) and afirst layer internal surface (24). Accordingly, the laser-induced seal(4) can be generated in any of a numerous and wide variety of locationsbetween the second layer external surface (23) and the first layerinternal surface (24).

As to particular embodiments, the laser-induced seal (4) can spangenerally the entirety of the distance between the second layer externalsurface (23) and the first layer internal surface (24).

As to other particular embodiments, the laser-induced seal (4) can spana portion of the distance between the second layer external surface (23)and the first layer internal surface (24), for example a portionproximate the first layer external surface (8) and the second layerinternal surface (9).

The laser beam (22) can have any power capable of generating alaser-induced seal (4). As but one illustrative example, the laser beam(22) can have power in a range of between about 10 Watts to about 120Watts, although the power can be lesser or greater depending upon theapplication.

Additionally, the laser beam (22) can have any rate of travel capable ofgenerating a laser-induced seal (4). As but one illustrative example,the laser beam (22) can have a rate of travel in a range of betweenabout 0.13 millimeters (about 0.005 inches) per second to about 51millimeters (about 2 inches) per second, although the rate of travel canbe lesser or greater depending upon the application.

The laser-induced seal (4) generated by the laser beam (22) can have anyof a numerous and wide variety of laser-induced seal widths (25),whereby the laser-induced seal width (25) is sufficient to allow thelaser-induced seal (4) to provide a fluid-tight engagement between thefirst and second layers (2)(3). As but one illustrative example, thelaser-induced seal width (25) can be in a range of between about 0.025millimeters (about 0.001 inches) to about 6.5 millimeters (about 0.25inches), although the laser-induced seal width (25) can be lesser orgreater depending upon the application.

Further, the laser-induced seal (4) generated by the laser beam (22) canhave any of a numerous and wide variety of laser-induced seal lengths(24), whereby the laser-induced seal length (24) is sufficient to allowthe laser-induced seal (4) to provide a fluid-tight engagement betweenthe first and second layers (2)(3).

As to particular embodiments whereby the concentrically disposed firstand second conduits (10)(11) have a generally circular cross section,the laser-induced seal length (24) can span generally the entirety ofthe circumference (about 360 degrees) of the concentrically disposedfirst and second conduits (10)(11). Said another way, the laser-inducedseal length (24) can completely surround the concentrically disposedfirst and second conduits (10)(11).

As to other particular embodiments whereby the concentrically disposedfirst and second conduits (10)(11) have a generally circular crosssection, the laser-induced seal length (24) can span less than theentirety of the circumference of the concentrically disposed first andsecond conduits (10)(11). Said another way, the laser-induced seallength (24) can only partially surround the concentrically disposedfirst and second conduits (10)(11).

Typically, but not necessarily, relatively smaller conduits (10)(11)having lesser conduit wall thicknesses (19) and/or lesser conduitpassageway diameters (20) require exposure to a laser beam (22) havinglesser power and a lesser rate of travel to generate a laser-inducedseal (4) which provides a fluid-tight engagement of the conduits(10)(11) in relation to relatively larger conduits (10)(11) havinggreater conduit wall thicknesses (19) and/or greater conduit passagewaydiameters (20), which require exposure to a laser beam (22) havinggreater power and a greater rate of travel.

Further, typically but not necessarily, relatively smaller conduits(10)(11) having lesser conduit wall thicknesses (19) and/or lesserconduit passageway diameters (20) require lesser laser-induced sealwidths (25) to provide a fluid-tight engagement between the first andsecond layers (2)(3) in relation to relatively larger conduits (10)(11)having greater conduit wall thicknesses (19) and/or greater conduitpassageway diameters (20), which require greater laser-induced sealwidths (25).

As a first illustrative example, to generate a laser-induced seal (4)which provides a fluid-tight engagement of conduits (10)(11) each havinga conduit wall thicknesses (19) of about 0.002 inches and a conduitpassageway diameter (20) of about 0.0073 inches, a laser beam (22)having a power of about 10 Watts and a rate of travel of about 0.005inches per second to about 1 inch per second can be used, whereby thelaser-induced seal (4) generated can have a laser-induced seal width(25) of about 0.001 inches to about 0.003 inches.

As a second illustrative example, to generate a laser-induced seal (4)which provides a fluid-tight engagement of conduits (10)(11) each havinga conduit wall thicknesses (19) of about 0.0625 inches and a conduitpassageway diameter (20) of about 0.50 inches, a laser beam (22) havinga power of about 60 Watts and a rate of travel of about 0.05 inches persecond to about 2 inch per second can be used, whereby the laser-inducedseal (4) generated can have a laser-induced seal width (25) of about0.005 inches to about 0.1875 inches.

As a third illustrative example, to generate a laser-induced seal (4)which provides a fluid-tight engagement of conduits (10)(11) each havinga conduit wall thicknesses (19) of about 0.25 inches and a conduitpassageway diameter (20) of about 4 inches, a laser beam (22) having apower of about 120 Watts and a rate of travel of about 0.05 inches persecond to about 2 inch per second can be used, whereby the laser-inducedseal (4) generated can have a laser-induced seal width (25) of about0.005 inches to about 0.25 inches.

As to particular embodiments, the laser beam (22) can function tocombine, whether partially or completely, the first and second materials(5)(6) to generate the laser-induced seal (4).

As to particular embodiments, the laser beam (22) can function to fuse,whether partially or completely, the first and second materials (5)(6)to generate the laser-induced seal (4).

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “fuse” means toblend or join by or as if by melting together.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 8 through FIG. 11 , as to particularembodiments, the laser-induced seal (4) can be apparent (or evident),meaning that the laser-induced seal (4) can be distinguished from itssurroundings, and namely from the second layer external surface (23) orthe second conduit external surface (13), via one or more distinguishingproperties. In this way, the laser-induced seal (4) can be identified,for example via visual identification, tactile identification, or viaother means of identification, thereby confirming that the laser-inducedseal (4) has been generated to provide a fluid-tight engagement betweenfirst and second layers (2)(3), such as first and second conduits(10)(11).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 , as to one particularembodiment, the laser-induced seal (4) can comprise or can be apparent(or evident) as a recess (26) which inwardly extends from the secondlayer external surface (23) or the second conduit external surface (13),whereby the recess (26) is provided upon generation of the laser-inducedseal (4). Accordingly, the recess (26) can be seen or felt by anindividual viewing or touching the second conduit external surface (13)proximate the laser-induced seal (4).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 , as to anotherparticular embodiment, the laser-induced seal (4) can comprise or can beapparent (or evident) as a protrusion (27) which outwardly extends fromthe second layer external surface (23) or the second conduit externalsurface (13), whereby the protrusion (27) is provided upon generation ofthe laser-induced seal (4). Accordingly, the protrusion (27) can be seenor felt by an individual viewing or touching the second conduit externalsurface (13) proximate the laser-induced seal (4).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 , as to yet anotherparticular embodiment, the laser-induced seal (4) can comprise or can beapparent (or evident) as a colored indicium (28) having a color whichdiffers from the color of the second conduit (11), whereby the coloredindicium (28) is provided upon generation of the laser-induced seal (4).Accordingly, the colored indicium (28) can be seen by an individualviewing the second conduit external surface (13) proximate thelaser-induced seal (4).

A method of making a connection (1), as above described, can includeproviding a first layer (2); concentrically disposing a second layer (3)about the first layer (2); and generating a laser-induced seal (4)between portions of the first and second layers (2)(3), whereby thelaser-induced seal (4) provides a fluid-tight engagement between thefirst and second layers (2)(3).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 14 through FIG. 19 , as to particularembodiments, the laser-induced seal (4) between the first and secondlayers (2)(3), such as first and second conduits (10)(11), can begenerated by rotating concentrically disposed first and second conduits(10)(11) about a rotation axis (29) while a fixed laser beam (22)(meaning a laser beam (22) in a fixed position) is incident upon theportions of the first and second conduits (10)(11) which are to besealed by the laser-induced seal (4).

As but one illustrative example, the concentrically disposed first andsecond conduits (10)(11) can be engaged with a robotic arm. While afixed laser beam (22) is incident upon the portions of the first andsecond conduits (10)(11) which are to be sealed by the laser-inducedseal (4), the robotic arm can rotate the concentrically disposed firstand second conduits (10)(11) about the rotation axis (29), therebygenerating the laser-induced seal (4) between portions of the first andsecond conduits (10)(11).

As but a second illustrative example, the concentrically disposed firstand second conduits (10)(11) can be engaged with a rotatable collet(30). While a fixed laser beam (22) is incident upon the portions of thefirst and second conduits (10)(11) which are to be sealed by thelaser-induced seal (4), the rotatable collet (30) can be rotated tocorrespondingly rotate the concentrically disposed first and secondconduits (10)(11) about the rotation axis (29), thereby generating thelaser-induced seal (4) between portions of the first and second conduits(10)(11).

As to particular embodiments whereby the concentrically disposed firstand second conduits (10)(11) have a generally circular cross section,the robotic arm or the rotatable collet (30) can rotate theconcentrically disposed first and second conduits (10)(11) about 360degrees; following, the laser-induced seal (4) can span generally theentirety or nearly the entirely of the circumference (about 360 degrees)of the concentrically disposed first and second conduits (10)(11);however, the laser-induced seal (4) need not span generally the entiretyor nearly the entirely of the circumference of the concentricallydisposed first and second conduits (10)(11), depending upon theapplication.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 20 through FIG. 24 , as to otherparticular embodiments, the laser-induced seal (4) between the first andsecond layers (2)(3), such as first and second conduits (10)(11), can begenerated by rotating a rotatable laser beam (22) about a rotation axis(29) and about concentrically disposed first and second conduits(10)(11) which are fixedly positioned about the rotation axis (29) suchthat upon rotation, the rotatable laser beam (22) is incident upon theportions of the first and second conduits (10)(11) which are to besealed by the laser-induced seal (4).

As but one illustrative example, the rotatable laser beam (22) can beproduced by a rotatable laser (7). Accordingly, upon rotation of therotatable laser (7) about the rotation axis (29), the laser beam (22)can correspondingly be rotated about concentrically disposed first andsecond conduits (10)(11) which are fixedly positioned about the rotationaxis (29) such that the rotating laser beam (22) is incident upon theportions of the first and second conduits (10)(11) which are to besealed by the laser-induced seal (4).

As to particular embodiments whereby the concentrically disposed firstand second conduits (10)(11) have a generally circular cross section,the rotatable laser beam (22) can be rotated about 360 degrees;following, the laser-induced seal (4) can span generally the entirety ornearly the entirely of the circumference (about 360 degrees) of theconcentrically disposed first and second conduits (10)(11); however, thelaser-induced seal (4) need not span generally the entirety or nearlythe entirely of the circumference of the concentrically disposed firstand second conduits (10)(11), depending upon the application.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 25 through FIG. 28 , as to yet otherparticular embodiments, the laser-induced seal (4) between the first andsecond layers (2)(3), such as first and second conduits (10)(11), can begenerated by rotating a rotatable laser beam (22) about a rotation axis(29), whereby the laser beam (22) is set at an appropriate or desiredangle (31) to reflect off of a mirrored surface (32) which facilitatesfocusing of the laser beam (22) on concentrically disposed first andsecond conduits (10)(11) which are fixedly positioned about the rotationaxis (29) such that the focused laser beam (22) is incident upon theportions of the first and second conduits (10)(11) which are to besealed by the laser-induced seal (4).

As but one illustrative example, the mirrored surface (32) can be aconcave toroidal mirrored surface (32) which, when the rotatable laserbeam (22) is set at an appropriate or desired angle (31) to reflect offof the concave toroidal mirrored surface (32), facilitates focusing ofthe laser beam (22) on concentrically disposed first and second conduits(10)(11) which are fixedly positioned about the rotation axis (29) suchthat the focused laser beam (22) is incident upon the portions of thefirst and second conduits (10)(11) which are to be sealed by thelaser-induced seal (4).

As to particular embodiments whereby the concentrically disposed firstand second conduits (10)(11) have a generally circular cross section,the rotatable laser beam (22) can be rotated about 360 degrees;following, the laser-induced seal (4) can span generally the entirety ornearly the entirely of the circumference (about 360 degrees) of theconcentrically disposed first and second conduits (10)(11); however, thelaser-induced seal (4) need not span generally the entirety or nearlythe entirely of the circumference of the concentrically disposed firstand second conduits (10)(11), depending upon the application.

As to still yet other particular embodiments, the laser-induced seal (4)between the first and second layers (2)(3), such as first and secondconduits (10)(11), can be generated by a circular laser beam (22) whichis set at an appropriate or desired angle (31) to reflect off of amirrored surface (32) which facilitates focusing of the circular laserbeam (22) on concentrically disposed first and second conduits (10)(11)which are fixedly positioned such that the focused laser beam (22) isincident upon the portions of the first and second conduits (10)(11)which are to be sealed by the laser-induced seal (4) (not shown).

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts ofthe present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. Theinvention involves numerous and varied embodiments of a laser-inducedseal of concentrically-layered materials and methods for making andusing such a laser-induced seal of concentrically-layered materials,including the best mode.

As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the inventiondisclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tablesaccompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, butrather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments genericallyencompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect toany particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description ofa single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitlydescribe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives areimplicitly disclosed by the description and figures.

It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each stepof a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Suchterms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitlybroad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example,it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed asan action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causesthat action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed asthe physical element or the action which that physical elementfacilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of a “seal” should beunderstood to encompass disclosure of the act of “sealing”—whetherexplicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectivelydisclosure of the act of “sealing”, such a disclosure should beunderstood to encompass disclosure of a “seal” and even a “means forsealing”. Such alternative terms for each element or step are to beunderstood to be explicitly included in the description.

In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unlessits utilization in this application is inconsistent with suchinterpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood toincluded in the description for each term as contained in the RandomHouse Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definitionhereby incorporated by reference.

All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term“about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of thepresent invention, ranges may be expressed as from “about” oneparticular value to “about” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueto the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges byendpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. Anumerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of theantecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular valueforms another embodiment. The term “about” generally refers to a rangeof numeric values that one of skill in the art would consider equivalentto the recited numeric value or having the same function or result.Similarly, the antecedent “substantially” means largely, but not wholly,the same form, manner or degree and the particular element will have arange of configurations as a person of ordinary skill in the art wouldconsider as having the same function or result. When a particularelement is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent“substantially,” it will be understood that the particular element formsanother embodiment.

Moreover, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “a” or“an” entity refers to one or more of that entity unless otherwiselimited. As such, the terms “a” or “an”, “one or more” and “at leastone” can be used interchangeably herein.

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) eachof the laser-induced seals of concentrically-layered materials hereindisclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed anddescribed, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations ofeach of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative embodimentswhich accomplish each of the functions shown, disclosed, or described,v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of thefunctions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosedand described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separateand independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by thevarious systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting productsproduced by such systems or components, ix) methods and apparatusessubstantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of theaccompanying examples, x) the various combinations and permutations ofeach of the previous elements disclosed.

The background section of this patent application, if any, provides astatement of the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. Thissection may also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain UnitedStates patents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter ofthe claimed invention useful in relating information, problems, orconcerns about the state of technology to which the invention is drawntoward. It is not intended that any United States patent, patentapplication, publication, statement or other information cited orincorporated herein be interpreted, construed or deemed to be admittedas prior art with respect to the invention.

The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are herebyincorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention,and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or aportion of such incorporated content of such claims as additionaldescription to support any of or all of the claims or any element orcomponent thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves theright to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of suchclaims or any element or component thereof from the description into theclaims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for whichprotection is sought by this application or by any subsequentapplication or continuation, division, or continuation-in-partapplication thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in feespursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations ofany country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shallsurvive during the entire pendency of this application including anysubsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part applicationthereof or any reissue or extension thereon.

Additionally, the claims set forth in this specification, if any, arefurther intended to describe the metes and bounds of a limited number ofthe preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construedas the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing ofembodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does notwaive any right to develop further claims based upon the description setforth above as a part of any continuation, division, orcontinuation-in-part, or similar application.

1. A connection comprising: a first layer; a second layer concentricallydisposed about said first layer; and a laser-induced seal betweenportions of said first and second layers; wherein said laser-inducedseal provides a fluid-tight engagement between said first and secondlayers.
 2. The connection of claim 1, wherein: said first and secondlayers are formed from corresponding first and second materials; andsaid first and second materials are selected from the group consistingof: a thermoplastic elastomer, polypropylene, polypropylene derivatives,polyethylene, polyethylene derivatives, polyolefin elastomer,polyvinylidene fluoride, polycarbonate, and acrylonitrile butadienestyrene.
 3. The connection of claim 2, wherein said first and secondmaterials are similar.
 4. The connection of claim 2, wherein said firstand second materials are dissimilar.
 5. The connection of claim 1,wherein concentric disposition of said second layer about said firstlayer positions a portion of a first layer external surface of saidfirst layer adjacent to a portion of a second layer internal surface ofsaid second layer.
 6. The connection of claim 5, wherein said firstlayer external surface contacts said second layer internal surface. 7.The connection of claim 6, wherein said laser-induced seal is generatedbetween at least said first layer external surface and said second layerinternal surface.
 8. The connection of claim 1, wherein said first layeris incorporated into a first conduit and said second layer isincorporated into a second conduit.
 9. The connection of claim 8,wherein each of said first and second conduits comprises a conduit walldisposed between a conduit external surface and a conduit internalsurface.
 10. The connection of claim 9, wherein said conduit wall has aconduit wall thickness in a range of between about 0.05 millimeters toabout 13 millimeters.
 11. The connection of claim 9, wherein saidconduit internal surface defines a conduit passageway having a conduitpassageway diameter in a range of between about 0.2 millimeters to about100 millimeters.
 12. The connection of claim 1, wherein saidlaser-induced seal has a laser-induced seal width in a range of betweenabout 0.025 millimeters to about 6.5 millimeters.
 13. The connection ofclaim 8, wherein said laser-induced seal has a laser-induced seal lengthwhich spans the entire circumference of the concentrically disposed saidfirst and second conduits.
 14. The connection of claim 8, wherein saidlaser-induced seal has a laser-induced seal length which spans less thanthe entire circumference of the concentrically disposed said first andsecond conduits.
 15. The connection of claim 2, wherein said first andsecond materials are combined to generate said laser-induced seal. 16.The connection of claim 15, wherein said first and second materials arefused to generate said laser-induced seal.
 17. The connection of claim16, wherein said first and second materials are completely fused togenerate said laser-induced seal.
 18. The connection of claim 1, whereinsaid laser-induced seal is distinguishable from a second layer externalsurface of said second layer.
 19. The connection of claim 18, whereinsaid laser-induced seal comprises a recess which inwardly extends fromsaid second layer external surface.
 20. The connection of claim 18,wherein said laser-induced seal comprises a protrusion which outwardlyextends from said second layer external surface.
 21. The connection ofclaim 18, wherein said laser-induced seal is colored.
 22. The connectionof claim 21, wherein said laser-induced seal has a color which differsfrom the color of said second layer external surface.
 23. A method ofmaking a connection, comprising: providing a first layer; concentricallydisposing a second layer about said first layer; and generating alaser-induced seal between portions of said first and second layers;wherein said laser-induced seal provides a fluid-tight engagementbetween said first and second layers.
 24. The method of claim 23,further comprising: providing said first and second layers formed fromcorresponding first and second materials; wherein said first and secondmaterials are selected from the group consisting of: a thermoplasticelastomer, polypropylene, polypropylene derivatives, polyethylene,polyethylene derivatives, polyolefin elastomer, polyvinylidene fluoride,polycarbonate, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.
 25. The method ofclaim 24, further comprising: providing said first and second layersformed from corresponding first and second materials; wherein said firstand second materials are similar.
 26. The method of claim 24, furthercomprising: providing said first and second layers formed fromcorresponding first and second materials; wherein said first and secondmaterials are dissimilar.
 27. The method of claim 23, further comprisingconcentrically disposing said second layer about said first layer toposition a portion of a first layer external surface of said first layeradjacent to a portion of a second layer internal surface of said secondlayer.
 28. The method of claim 27, further comprising concentricallydisposing said second layer about said first layer such that said firstlayer external surface contacts said second layer internal surface. 29.The method of claim 28, further comprising generating said laser-inducedseal between at least said first layer external surface and said secondlayer internal surface.
 30. The method of claim 23, further comprising:providing said first and second layers; wherein said first layer isincorporated into a first conduit and said second layer is incorporatedinto a second conduit.
 31. The method of claim 30, further comprising:providing said first and second conduits; wherein each of said first andsecond conduits comprises a conduit wall disposed between a conduitexternal surface and a conduit internal surface.
 32. The method of claim31, further comprising: providing said first and second conduits;wherein said conduit wall has a conduit wall thickness in a range ofbetween about 0.05 millimeters to about 13 millimeters.
 33. The methodof claim 31, further comprising: providing said first and secondconduits; wherein said conduit internal surface defines a conduitpassageway having a conduit passageway diameter in a range of betweenabout 0.2 millimeters to about 100 millimeters.
 34. The method of claim23, further comprising generating said laser-induced seal having alaser-induced seal width in a range of between about 0.025 millimetersto about 6.5 millimeters.
 35. The method of claim 30, further comprisinggenerating said laser-induced seal having a laser-induced seal lengthwhich spans the entire circumference of the concentrically disposed saidfirst and second conduits.
 36. The method of claim 30, furthercomprising generating said laser-induced seal having a laser-inducedseal length which spans less than the entire circumference of theconcentrically disposed said first and second conduits.
 37. The methodof claim 24, further comprising combining said first and secondmaterials to generate said laser-induced seal.
 38. The method of claim37, further comprising fusing said first and second materials togenerate said laser-induced seal.
 39. The method of claim 38, furthercomprising completely fusing said first and second materials to generatesaid laser-induced seal.
 40. The method of claim 23, further comprisingconfiguring said laser-induced seal as distinguishable from a secondlayer external surface of said second layer.
 41. The method of claim 40,further comprising configuring said laser-induced seal as a recess whichinwardly extends from said second layer external surface.
 42. The methodof claim 40, further comprising configuring said laser-induced sealcomprises a protrusion which outwardly extends from said second layerexternal surface.
 43. The method of claim 40, further comprisingconfiguring said laser-induced seal as colored.
 44. The method of claim43, further comprising configuring said laser-induced seal to have acolor which differs from the color of said second layer externalsurface.
 45. The method of claim 23, further comprising generating saidlaser-induced seal with a laser that produces a laser beam.
 46. Themethod of claim 45, further comprising focusing said laser beam betweena second layer external surface of said second layer and a first layerinternal surface of said first layer.
 47. The method of claim 45,further comprising generating said laser-induced seal with said laserthat produces said laser beam having power in a range of between about10 Watts to about 120 Watts.
 48. The method of claim 45, furthercomprising generating said laser-induced seal with said laser thatproduces said laser beam having a rate of travel in a range of betweenabout 0.13 millimeters per second to about 51 millimeters per second.49. The method of claim 45, further comprising generating saidlaser-induced seal by rotating concentrically disposed first and secondlayers about a rotation axis while a fixed laser beam is incident uponportions of said first and second layers which are to be sealed by saidlaser-induced seal.
 50. The method of claim 49, further comprisingrotating said concentrically disposed first and second layers about 360degrees to generate said laser-induced seal which spans the entirecircumference of said concentrically disposed first and second layers.51. The method of claim 49, further comprising rotating saidconcentrically disposed first and second layers less than about 360degrees to generate said laser-induced seal which spans less than theentire circumference of said concentrically disposed first and secondlayers.
 52. The method of claim 45, further comprising generating saidlaser-induced seal by rotating a rotatable laser beam aboutconcentrically disposed first and second layers which are fixedlypositioned such that upon rotation, said rotatable laser beam isincident upon portions of said first and second layers which are to besealed by said laser-induced seal.
 53. The method of claim 52, furthercomprising rotating said rotatable laser beam about 360 degrees togenerate said laser-induced seal which spans the entire circumference ofsaid concentrically disposed first and second layers.
 54. The method ofclaim 52, further comprising rotating said rotatable laser beam lessthan about 360 degrees to generate said laser-induced seal which spansless than the entire circumference of said concentrically disposed firstand second layers.
 55. The method of claim 45, further comprisinggenerating said laser-induced seal by rotating a rotatable laser beamset at a desired angle to reflect off of a mirrored surface whichfacilitates focusing of said rotatable laser beam on concentricallydisposed first and second layers which are fixedly positioned such thatupon focusing, said rotatable laser beam is incident upon portions ofsaid first and second layers which are to be sealed by saidlaser-induced seal.
 56. The method of claim 55, further comprisingrotating said rotatable laser beam about 360 degrees to generate saidlaser-induced seal which spans the entire circumference of saidconcentrically disposed first and second layers.
 57. The method of claim55, further comprising rotating said rotatable laser beam less thanabout 360 degrees to generate said laser-induced seal which spans lessthan the entire circumference of said concentrically disposed first andsecond layers.
 58. The method of claim 45, further comprising generatingsaid laser-induced seal with a circular laser beam set at a desiredangle to reflect off of a mirrored surface which facilitates focusing ofsaid circular laser beam on concentrically disposed first and secondlayers which are fixedly positioned such that upon focusing, saidcircular laser beam is incident upon portions of said first and secondlayers which are to be sealed by said laser-induced seal.